| London tours are popular with many tourists as this is | | | | represented the domination of the Normans over the |
| a capital city rich with history and a heritage that is | | | | surrounding population. The other buildings were added |
| intrinsically linked to the development of this illustrious | | | | later and the grounds have seen important events |
| nation. When visiting London, those on tours almost | | | | from history such as the beheading of Anne Boleyn, |
| always find it difficult to decide on which of the many | | | | Elizabeth I's imprisonment and many other instances of |
| attractions to visit. Hopefully, the following information | | | | torture and execution. Today the tower houses the |
| on some of the most important historical sites in the | | | | crown jewels of the realm. A must see for those with |
| capital will help ease the decision, leading to more | | | | a love of opulence and sparkling adornment. |
| enjoyable and rewarding tours. | | | | The Royal Naval College at Greenwich is the third of |
| The history of London is fascinating; a settlement since | | | | the heritage sites worth seeing on tours of London. |
| the time of the Roman occupation it rapidly developed | | | | Designed by heralded architect Sir Christopher Wren, |
| as an important trade post and centre of culture and | | | | the designer of St Paul's Cathedral it is a fine example |
| political power. Since this period the city continued to | | | | of his work. Until a decade ago the site still operated |
| grow, becoming the country's capital and the site of | | | | as a college, training members of the navy. A fabulous |
| some of the most important events throughout English | | | | building that dominates the Thames waterfront it |
| history. For those on tours, there are a number of | | | | imposing size and design is especially beautiful from |
| interesting sights, many of which are considered to be | | | | the river; the eye being attracted by the two towers |
| UNESCO World Heritage Sites; here are just four of | | | | to the sublime palace and hillside in the background. |
| them. | | | | Finally, of the world heritage sites in London the Royal |
| The first of these historical sites that should be included | | | | Botanical Gardens at Kew are well worth including in |
| in tours of London is the Palace of Westminster. While | | | | most tours. The gardens contain some fantastic |
| today the palace is the home of the legislative and | | | | examples of glasswork buildings that are considered |
| administrative bodies; throughout history it was the | | | | by many to be reason enough to visit Kew. Inside |
| home of kings and political rule. Some parts of the | | | | these domineering glass houses are some of the most |
| medieval palace remain although the exterior is a | | | | varied and diverse plant species kept anywhere in the |
| Victorian neo-gothic design. As one of the most | | | | world; the site remains today as one of the world's |
| recognisable sights anywhere in the world, tours should | | | | leading research facilities in the field of botanical study. |
| include this not only because of its fascinating history, | | | | The gardens themselves also offer tourists a |
| but also for the photo opportunities. | | | | welcome distraction from the hustle and bustle of the |
| Of equal importance is the Tower of London, a world | | | | city. |
| heritage site that should be included in the itineraries of | | | | Hopefully these sites will be part of many people's |
| most tours. The history of this royal residence contains | | | | tours of London. With so much to see and so little time |
| some of the most gruesome tales from the English | | | | compiling an itinerary can be difficult. With the inclusion |
| past. At the centre of the site lies the medieval White | | | | of these sites a trip to London should be interesting, |
| Tower; an important building that at the time | | | | educational and enjoyable. |